Whatever Happened to Randolph Scott?
by C.H. Scott
As the author clearly states, Whatever Happened to Randolph Scott? is not a typical memoir written by the child of a Hollywood star. It’s not another Mommie Dearest determined to tear down a great icon. In fact, when you read this loving book, you’ll come to love Randolph Scott even more than you already do. He’s similar to Atticus Finch, personifying morals and wisdom for his children, and always wanting them to grow into better versions of themselves. Chris Scott shares countless stories of how he would get into mischief and learn a great life lesson from his dad. He admits he put his father through more trials than he deserved, and through this posthumously released book, he’s able to express his love and respect for such a great role model.
Since Chris and his sister were adopted when Randolph Scott was in his fifties, this is not a biography in the strictest sense. It doesn’t give a history of Randy’s childhood and early years in Hollywood, but instead focuses on the western icon when the cameras turned off. His father’s love of sports precluded conversation when there was a game on; I can just picture Randy watching one game on television with another’s radio broadcast held up to his ear. He had a lifelong friendship with Fred Astaire, who was even “Uncle Fred” to his children. You’ll get to read some very funny stories about the dapper dancer’s sense of humor. The practical joker once wore a horrific toupee all day when they went to the horseraces together, thinking Scott would certainly make fun of him for it. Instead, the Southern gentleman was silent, finally confessing that he didn't want to hurt Fred's feelings.
Most of all, you’ll read about the great, upstanding character of Randolph Scott. Chris’s account of his father makes you wish you’d known him. It makes you wish he’d had a longer, or more prolific career. He could have easily starred in any John Wayne classic and acted in any number of ensemble epics like How the West Was Won or The Longest Day. And why wasn’t he asked to play the Southern father-of-the-year who painstakingly describes the definition of a compromise to his rambunctious child in To Kill a Mockingbird? But most of all, this loving tribute makes you wish that he was one of the icons who have lasted as household names throughout the decades.
If you’re looking for disgusting salaciousness about the false rumors between Scott and his friend Cary Grant, pick out a different book. You’ll find enough tawdry books determined to cash in on the hot topic to satisfy you. This book actually explains the misunderstanding, tracing the rumor back to a disgruntled fired employee. If you love old Hollywood as much as I do, chances are you’ve read enough biographies and memoirs to read the same stories cross referenced by different “witnesses”. In David Niven’s memoir, he fondly remembered Grant and Scott’s bachelor pad (which the rumor mongers claim was a love nest) with a constant stream of girls. Naturally, Chris Scott doesn’t talk about that part of his dad’s life, but it’s more proof that such ugly talk was ridiculous.
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's page dedicated to Randolph Scott's movies here!
Since Chris and his sister were adopted when Randolph Scott was in his fifties, this is not a biography in the strictest sense. It doesn’t give a history of Randy’s childhood and early years in Hollywood, but instead focuses on the western icon when the cameras turned off. His father’s love of sports precluded conversation when there was a game on; I can just picture Randy watching one game on television with another’s radio broadcast held up to his ear. He had a lifelong friendship with Fred Astaire, who was even “Uncle Fred” to his children. You’ll get to read some very funny stories about the dapper dancer’s sense of humor. The practical joker once wore a horrific toupee all day when they went to the horseraces together, thinking Scott would certainly make fun of him for it. Instead, the Southern gentleman was silent, finally confessing that he didn't want to hurt Fred's feelings.
Most of all, you’ll read about the great, upstanding character of Randolph Scott. Chris’s account of his father makes you wish you’d known him. It makes you wish he’d had a longer, or more prolific career. He could have easily starred in any John Wayne classic and acted in any number of ensemble epics like How the West Was Won or The Longest Day. And why wasn’t he asked to play the Southern father-of-the-year who painstakingly describes the definition of a compromise to his rambunctious child in To Kill a Mockingbird? But most of all, this loving tribute makes you wish that he was one of the icons who have lasted as household names throughout the decades.
If you’re looking for disgusting salaciousness about the false rumors between Scott and his friend Cary Grant, pick out a different book. You’ll find enough tawdry books determined to cash in on the hot topic to satisfy you. This book actually explains the misunderstanding, tracing the rumor back to a disgruntled fired employee. If you love old Hollywood as much as I do, chances are you’ve read enough biographies and memoirs to read the same stories cross referenced by different “witnesses”. In David Niven’s memoir, he fondly remembered Grant and Scott’s bachelor pad (which the rumor mongers claim was a love nest) with a constant stream of girls. Naturally, Chris Scott doesn’t talk about that part of his dad’s life, but it’s more proof that such ugly talk was ridiculous.
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's page dedicated to Randolph Scott's movies here!